Massachusetts House of Representatives set to pass legislation on maternal health
The Massachusetts House of Representatives is poised to pass legislation that addresses the worsening maternal health outcomes in the state, with a particular focus on improving care for Black individuals. The bill includes provisions for alternative pathways to midwife licensure, removing barriers to operating health centers, and mandating post-partum depression screenings.
Speaker Ron Mariano has highlighted that the legislation aims to enhance care for mothers from the beginning of pregnancy through postpartum. Advocates emphasize the importance of this bill, especially for individuals living in rural areas such as parts of western Massachusetts, where access to healthcare may be limited.
Edward Bray, Senior Director of State Affairs at the March of Dimes, explained that the legislation will expand access to care through greater opportunities for midwifery services and the establishment of licensed birthing centers. Although Senate President Karen Spilka did not provide an update on the Senate’s progress during a recent leadership meeting, Senator Julian Cyr expressed his support for the bill last month.
The House is set to hold a formal session on Thursday during which a vote on the maternal health care bill is expected to take place. 22News, an NBC affiliate serving western Massachusetts since March 1953 with local news, network programming and more can be accessed via their digital edition airing weekdays at 4 pm.
